Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support for cell growth, attachments and proliferation, which greatly impact cell fate. Marine macroalgae species Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp. were selected for their structural variations, porous and fibrous respectively, and evaluated as alternative ECM candidates. Decellularization–recellularization approach was used to fabricate seaweed cellulose-based scaffolds for in-vitro mammalian cell growth. Both scaffolds were confirmed nontoxic to fibroblasts, indicated by high viability for up to 40 days in culture. Each seaweed cellulose structure demonstrated distinct impact on cell behavior and proliferation rates. The Cladophora sp. scaffold promoted elongated cells spreading along its fibers’ axis, and a gradual linear cell growth, while the Ulva sp. porous surface, facilitated rapid cell growth in all directions, reaching saturation at week 3. As such, seaweed-cellulose is an environmentally, biocompatible novel biomaterial, with structural variations that hold a great potential for diverse biomedical applications, while promoting aquaculture and ecological agenda.
Highlights
Derived from apple hypanthium was studied for adipose tissue engineering, carrot for bone tissue engineering, celery for tendons[9] and BNC for burns and chronic wounds treatments[10] or in vivo implantations[12]
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) imaging of the decellularized algae samples (Fig. 3D,J), revealed the presence of eosin, which stained the cellular membrane in pink, and absence of hematoxylin, which stains cell nucleus in purple, in comparison to the H&E imaging of the fresh algae samples (Fig. 1C,F), which reveals cell nucleus
This could be due to the different cell membrane of the two seaweed samples and the fragmentation caused by the cross-section methods
Summary
Derived from apple hypanthium was studied for adipose tissue engineering, carrot for bone tissue engineering, celery for tendons[9] and BNC for burns and chronic wounds treatments[10] or in vivo implantations[12]. Green macroalgae’s matrix consist of highly robust skeleton structure that can be utilized for cell growth Their chemical composition is rich with insoluble polysaccharides, that provides for the preservation of structural and mechanical rigidity, crystallinity and tensile s trength[13,14]. Unlike bacterial based-cellulose, that require strong bases treatment for the removal of microbial c ells[10], and unlike terrestrial plants that require vertical g rowth[4], seaweed lignin-free cell-wall makes macroalgae decellularization easier and cheaper to produce It grants its matrix structurally flexible yet resilient tissue, which could potentially be explored for its ECM-cell interactions15and long term sustainability[4]. From highly specialized membrane and carrier materials, to optimal biocompatible scaffolds, for wound healing, wound dressing and tissue engineering, that would on the one hand, require elasticity and strength, and on the other hand obtain intact permanent shape and form or long-term structural support, while promoting aquaculture and zero-waste agenda
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